Just because it's new doesn't mean it's not old. But that doesn't necessarily mean it's bad. In fact, it can be very good.
What It Is
The Dodge Charger is the only remaining full-size American sedan that comes standard with rear-wheel drive, offers a burly V-8 engine and costs less than $30,000 to start.
A few luxury-brand (and luxury-priced) sedans are still RWD and offer V-8s, but none for less than $30k to start.
The Charger hasn't been updated significantly since 2011. That's good if you're not looking for some of the things that come standard in almost all new cars including small turbocharged engines and fuel-saving but complexity-adding features, such as automatic engine stop/start, which shuts the engine off whenever the car isn't moving. This may save a little gas, but it also reduces the life of the car battery, which probably defeats any overall money savings. Many people also don't like it because of the "paint shaker" effect.
Prices start at $29,220 for the base SXT trim, which comes standard with a 3.6-liter V-6 (and RWD). All-wheel drive is optional.
The R/T trim that comes standard with the iconic 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 engine costs $35,995 to start.
An even stronger (and larger) 6.4-liter Hemi is available, too. This is the Scat Pack version of the Charger. It costs $39,995.
The ultimate Hemi is the slightly smaller (6.2-liter) supercharged Hemi that comes standard in the Charger Hellcat. Almost nothing on four wheels can touch the performance delivered by its 707 horsepower — certainly not for the very reasonable $65,545 Dodge wants for it all. It goes from zero to 60 mph in less than 4 seconds — 11 seconds to run the quarter-mile.
What's New
Dodge will shortly allow Charger R/T buyers to opt for the Widebody appearance package that first became available with the Challenger coupe (the two cars share a common platform, or underlying architecture).
This adds flared fenders that allow huge 20-by-11-inch wheels and tires to fit without protruding beyond the widened body.
Upgraded brakes and firmer-riding suspension are also part of the deal.
What's Good
It's a big, roomy car.
Big optional V-8.
The not-so-big price tag.
What's Not So Good
It's a big car with a wide turning circle.
Under the Hood
In addition to its available big V-8, the Charger comes standard with a big V-6, another increasing rarity.
Smaller four-cylinders with turbos to make up for the displacement deficit have become the typical (and sometimes only) engine available in most mid-priced sedans. Not that there's anything wrong with these engines, but they are more complex than larger engines like the Charger V-6, which rely on their size to make power.
The V-6 has 292 horsepower and can be paired with either RWD or AWD. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard.
For class-best power there's the optional 5.7-liter V-8, which has 370 horsepower.
If you want more power, choose the 6.4-liter Hemi, which has an astounding 485 horsepower.
For Nextel stock car power, go for the Hellcat and the 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi, which will give you the stock car experience with license plates and air conditioning.
On the Road
No matter which engine you pick, the Charger lives up to its name. This car is quick — and quicker, Hemi-equipped models especially.
It also rides like only big cars do — almost all of which are now very expensive. And the Charger isn't.
It's also an inherently safe car, even if it doesn't have all the latest safety tech, because it is big. Size does matter when it comes to crashworthiness.
The Charger is comparable to an S-Class Mercedes or BMW 7 — without the MSRP that comes with them.
At the Curb
The back seats are roomier than the front seats in many new cars. You'll find 40.1 inches of legroom.
You'll also find a huge trunk size 16.5 cubic feet.
One of the reasons sedans have lost popularity relative to crossovers is because most current sedans (that aren't high-dollar full-size luxury sedans) have a tiny trunk. The Charger's isn't.
The Rest
Yes, it's old. The current Charger is more or less the same as the 2011. But that also means it's a proven design; you know what you're getting.
You're also getting what is probably the last of its kind: a piece of history — with a new car warranty.
The Bottom Line
If you want the American Car Experience, the time to experience it is now.
Eric's new book, "Don't Get Taken for a Ride!" is available now. To find out more about Eric and read his past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate webpage at www.creators.com.
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